U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman says he supports legislation that would require automakers to include AM radio in new vehicles.

The House is expected to vote next week on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025. The bill, known as H.R. 979, would require AM radio capability in new vehicles.

Stutzman says AM radio remains an important source of news, entertainment and emergency information, especially in rural areas.

“If cell phone towers go down, communication is key,” Stutzman said in an interview with Network Indiana affiliate WHBU in Daleville.

Stutzman says recent storms and cellphone outages show why drivers need another way to receive critical information.

He says AM radio can alert people to severe weather and other emergencies while they’re on the road.

Stutzman says he understands the argument that automakers should decide what features to include in their vehicles. But he says AM radio serves an important public-safety purpose.

Stutzman says he plans to support the bill.

The legislation is also known as S. 315 in the Senate.